Best Running Shops in Leeds 2023
Looking for some new gear? Wanting to start running for the first time? Leeds has a surprising number of great running/sports shops to tickle your fancy. These shops are spread across the city, so there’s a good chance one’s close by to you.
No matter what your fitness level is or how fast you can run, Leeds has a range of running shops that can meet all your needs, whether it’s specialist running shoes, base layers, waterproof gear or the latest gadget.
Up & Running
Leeds has two Up and Running shops. Interesting fact: Leeds was the location of the inagural Up and Running store! The first is situated on Boar Lane in the City Centre, and the other is on Otley Road in Far Headingley.
Both running shops are well worth the visit, and we (the LRR team) have visited a number of times. They get to know your needs, like how much you run, and what your running style is – walking you through the whole process! There is a free gait analysis which is a massive help when new to running. It will advise you whether you need a neutral or supported running shoe. They stock trainings for both men and women. Covering brands such as Garmin, Saucony, Asics and Mizuno. Alongside the essentials, they also stock all the accessories you need such as sunglasses, training aids, watches and running headphones.
Runners Need
Runners Need is located within the tri-branded shop that is on the corner of Lands Lane. At Runners Need you will find a vast range of top class running shoes for both road and trail running. Their shop includes shoes that are suitable for road runners, trail runners, and even those that need specialist shoes for running problems such as overpronation or running gait issues. They offer impartial advice on running training programmes that can compliment your running goals; as well as gait analysis; and shoe fitting services. Runners Need stores also stock various running clothing, accessories, and sports nutrition supplements such as gels, bars, and drinks.
Yorkshire Runner
This is a small running shop in Otley on Bondgate run by three friends. It doesn’t matter if you’re a newcomer, a casual runner or a marathon competitor, the owners are experienced runners and their four-step fitting process will help you find the perfect shoes. They’ll find out how much you run and any aches or pains you have before checking your foot shape and completing a gait analysis to give you their recommendations. They stock brands like Camelbak, Walsh and Inov-8, so you can choose from the best of the best – and they also stock all the essential kit and accessories to go with your new shoes.
Complete Runner
Complete Runner is a respected independent store that is owned and run by Terry and Pat Lonergan, located along the Leeds Road in the outskirts of Otley. The store was opened in June of 1982, with this level of history you know they know what they are talking about! Formerly trading under the banner of ‘Terry Lonergan Sports’, the business encompassed both ‘The Complete Runner’ and ‘Fastrax’. The latter the name of their brand of athletics clothing.
Terry and Pat established Complete Runner with the aim of providing runners of all standards with a comprehensive range of the best running products on the market. Inside, you can make the most of the extensive selection of over 80-running shoes. They stock seven different run types – including, trail, cross country, and track – catering to all genders.
Cotswold Outdoors
This one probably isn’t the first place you’d think of to shop for running gear, but Cotswold Outdoor has a great selection of running gear. They have a wide selection of trail running shoes from top brands like Salomon and Scott, in a variety of styles and sizes. And it’s not just trail shoes; they also offer a small selection of road shoes. Located on the corner where Lands Lane meets Albion Place in Leeds City centre.
Sports Direct
The Leeds Sports Direct store has a dedicated section for running and fitness, with entire walls covered with the latest running shoes from the likes of Under Armour, Karrimor and Adidas. They have specialist running shoes for different arch types or if you’re running on road, trail or track. But they don’t offer gait analysis, so you’ll need to know what you’re looking for when you shop here. Need running shoes? You can get everything from socks to hi-vis running gear. There are a few dotted around Leeds, but the flagship is along the Headrow in Leeds City Centre.
Shops are always changing in Leeds. If you know of any great smaller runners shops please let us know!
